Castles and historic properties
Peacocks strut across manicured lawns, children shriek with delight as they try to find their way out of fiendishly difficult mazes, and well-kept gardens dazzle year-round at England’s many historic houses and well-preserved castles. Once inside, enthusiastic curators bring history to life with their expert knowledge and often funny insights into the lives, loves, and artefacts of generations of inhabitants. Castle breaks give you more chances of bumping into the present owners of an English castle, many of whom still live in wings of the properties. Just don’t forget to retrieve your children from that maze before you head home.
Explore captivating Alnwick Castle
Walk through history and admire world-class art at this fascinating castle, then stroll through spectacular floral displays at The Alnwick Garden.
Location: Alnwick, Northumberland
Discover the walled gardens at medieval Raby Castle
Visit one of England’s finest medieval castles, and explore the medieval walled gardens and 200 acre deer park.
Location: Durham Dales, Durham
Enjoy dog friendly days out at Belsay Hall
Explore the magnificent gardens of this dog friendly attraction with your four legged friend.
Location: Belsay, Northumberland
Sip Earl Grey where it was created: Howick Hall
Earl Grey tea is enjoyed – usually at around 4pm – all over the world, but few know it was invented in Northumberland for Charles, 2nd Earl Grey.
Location: Howick, Northumberland
Discover Howick’s heavenly history
With a famous cup of tea, a stunning garden and its very own bathing house, the haven of Howick Hall is one of Northumberland’s true hidden gems.
Location: Howick, Northumberland
Keeping it in the family at Castle Howard
The Howard family has called Castle Howard home for 300 years but their house is your house as you explore one of Yorkshire’s finest historic estates.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Walk in Roman footsteps at Arbeia Roman Fort
Britain’s biggest and best reconstruction of a Roman fort is the perfect place to immerse yourself in an ancient way of life.
Location: South Shields, South Tyneside
Discover a tale of forbidden love at Bessie Surtees' house
A tale of forbidden love to rival Romeo and Juliet is immortalised in Bessie Surtees’ 16th century house, tucked behind NewcastleGateshead's quayside
Location: Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
Make yourself at home at Harewood House
This 18th century home is filled with fine art and surrounded by gardens and parkland that is home to many animals including flamingos and penguins.
Location: Harewood, West Yorkshire
Climb the grassy hill to iconic Penshaw Monument
Roam picturesque parkland, spy flamingos and otters, admire sculptures and climb the secret staircase of this famous monument for panoramic views.
Location: Penshaw and Washington, Tyne and Wear
Immerse yourself in 800 years of Border history
Stay at Hesleyside Hall, ancestral home of the Charlton family since 1346, and experience 800 years of Northumbrian history in luxurious surroundings.
Location: Bellingham, Northumberland
See Harry Potter and Downton Abbey sets in Alnwick
Relive scenes from hit TV shows and movies in the magnificent setting of Alnwick Castle, a popular destination for film crews.
Location: Alnwick, Northumberland